Profile 2009 Section B

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ANNUAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SUN JOURNAL APRIL 11, 2009

2009

HEALTH & WELLNESS PROFILE

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P R O F I L E 2009

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009

P R O F I L E 2009

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P R O F I L E 2009

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009

Taylor Brook Dental: Continuity of care

By Donna Rousseau Freelance Writer

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he staff of Taylor Brook Dental Associates, P.A., in Auburn, prides itself on delivering stateof-the-art dentistry services in a relaxed setting conducive to patient comfort. The second largest private dental practice in Maine, Taylor Brook’s staff consists of four dentists, three of whom are full-time partners, as well as eight full-time and four part-time hygienists, an office manager, an insurance manager, as well as a sterilization technician, hygiene assistant, and three front office scheduling coordinators.

The practice has 12,000 patients on record and saw 8,000 in the past year. On average, Taylor Brook sees 100 new patients a month.

One of the partners, Dr. Daniel Penan, D.M.D. believes the relaxed, laid-back atmosphere the team has created, combined with the latest technologies and customer service is not only impressive but what attracts and keeps patients coming back.

“Most people who are apprehensive about going to the dentist are stressed for one of two reasons,” explains Penan. “Either they have had a traumatizing experience in the past or they feel a loss of control during treatment. We like to spend time talking to people, explaining the care they can expect from us. I like my patients to know that they are in control and can tell me what they need from me.” Further, Penan adds that if a patient’s experiences are consistently good, their anxiety is usually reduced.

The intraoral camera is a tool Penan and his partners use to help patients see the area of the mouth needing treatment.

The camera is attached to a wand and when placed in the mouth, transfers a picture to a computer. The dentist can then explain what procedures need to be done and the patient can view the problem and have a better understanding of what to expect. “It’s a great educational tool,” confirms Penan.

To further the positive experience of your visit, Taylor Brook’s building features an open-concept, light-filled, waiting room with high ceilings, and 17 clinical rooms with large windows and music. Cutting edge technology allows the team to provide

services more efficiently and, in some instances, may reduce the time spent in the chair or the number of office visits required to complete a procedure.

For instance, Taylor Brook is one of three practices in the area with the capability to provide same day crowns and inlays through computerized technology in the form of a CEREC machine. With a small camera inside the mouth, an optical 3D image is acquired and a restoration is created using the image data. The machine then mills a ceramic block to reproduce the design. The restoration is polished, glazed, fit, and bonded all in the same visit.

The practice offers a complete continuum of dentistry, except orthodontia. In addition to preservation and care of natural teeth, their comprehensive spectrum of services include, cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, endodontic (root canal therapy and pain relief), laser dentistry, oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics (crowns, bridges, dentures, overdentures), family and restorative dentistry.

Penan says the ability to provide a wide range of services under one roof is just another way the Taylor Brook practice can offer continuity of care and a sense of well-being to their patients. “I may have a patient who needs implants. After I do the initial preparation, my patient can then see my partner whose specialty is the surgical placement of implants. Then my patient can come back to see me,” he adds.

For Taylor Brook Dental Associates, it’s all about the patients and the experience they take away from their visits. “We want to keep the human in our relationships with our patients,” Penan explains. “It’s important to be a visionary when it comes to providing care and utilizing the latest technology. However, we understand that patients can pick and choose. We always keep in mind how we deliver the services.”

At Taylor Brook, warm and genuine goes hand in hand with the efficiency of today’s cutting edge.

The Meadows:

Secure and independent living T ext by M ike Bourgoin Photos by Dave G ondek

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Bob Curtis enjoys his morning coffee.

Elaine Thompson moves easily through the halls.

Rose Warren and Daisy.

Merle Phelps leaves the dining room.

Anita Doyon works on a jigsaw puzzle.

ocated on Route 202 in Greene, The Meadows provides retired residents with safety, security, and, quite possibly, some of the best home cooking around. Once the site of a hotel, the Meadows is uniquely constructed to meet the needs of the residents. The hallways are wide and level so residents can get their exercise indoors when the weather’s bad.

Situated only a few miles from Lewiston, The Meadows is conveniently located near shopping malls, doctor’s offices, hospitals, and anything else residents might need. The Meadows also offers security and independence. The residents have the security of someone on site at all times as well as the independence to come and go as they please.

For their residents with vehicles, the staff at The Meadows will clean the snow off the cars in the winter and bring it right to the door. All the residents have to do is drive away. For residents who don’t drive, The Meadows offers a shuttle service to doctor appointments, shopping trips, as well as fun outings.

Residents enjoy spacious rooms, each with a private bath, and each room has its own thermostat for the resident’s comfort. Assistance is on-call 24 hours a day with emergency call buttons located in each room. As part of the monthly fee, residents also get housekeeping and linen services, a laundry room, and a game/TV room.

Owner Rebecca Laliberte and her staff strive to make the Meadows, warm and friendly. As part of this family atmosphere, family members of residents are welcome to dine with the residents.

They can even accompany them on any of the many outings the residents enjoy.

Rebecca isn’t just the owner, she’s also a neighbor, living on the premises and is available 24 hours a day.

Unlike other retirement facilities, The Meadows provides all of the above mentioned amenities plus three meals a day for roughly one third of what the other facilities in the region charge. In this current economy, when savings are evaporating, the all-in-one pricing of The Meadows can lead to significant savings for their residents.

All the meals are prepared with taste and nutrition in mind. The Meadows can accommodate any special dietary needs the residents may require. In keeping with the family atmosphere, meals are served in the large dining room where guests can socialize during meals.

Residents come from a variety of backgrounds but they’ve all found security, convenience, good friends, and great food at The Meadows.

Some residents, like Evelyn Webster, moved in when caring for her house became too much. Evelyn’s daughter Deborah used to worry about her mom living in a large house located on a busy road.

Both Evelyn and Deborah were looking for a place that would provide independence along with security 24/7.

“I really enjoy it here and would recommend it to anyone. It’s never lonely, there’s always someone around,” are a few of the comments Evelyn uses to describe living at The Meadows. She was even able to bring along her cat, Tuffy, who’s getting more spoiled every day.

The Meadows also provides residents with a wide variety of activities. In the winter, the residents can go snow shoeing and cross country skiing on the grounds.

Residents can also take part in feeding the goats and turkeys. Indoors, there’s an exercise room and a game room complete with a pool table. Rebecca prides herself on running a “green” business. She and her staff have evaluated operations and taken steps to reduce their carbon footprint.

It’s not easy watching loved ones getting older. Where parents once worried about their children’s well being, children now worry about their parents.

Thanks to Rebecca and the staff at The Meadows, they don’t have to worry anymore. Now, children can rest assured that their parents will still be independent, but have the security of on-call assistance whenever they need it. They can also take comfort in the fact that their loved ones are getting above average care for a price that won’t break the bank.

One comment that Rebecca has heard over the years is, “I should have done this sooner.” Some residents have put off making the move to The Meadows and discovered all of the fun they’ve been missing. Check out The Meadows today and see what you’ve been missing.

Evelyn Webster with her cat Tuffy.

Don Abbott with some of the model tanks he has built.

Georgette lines up her next shot.

The Meadows Route 202 Greene, Maine 946-3007

P R O F I L E 2009

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009

Breast MRI at

Central Maine Imaging Center C

entral Maine Imaging Center is dedicated to women’s breast health.

Now in their 20th year serving the Lewiston and Auburn communities, CMIC offers mammography, breast ultrasound and breast MRI. CMIC has provided breast MRI for the past five years and has recently invested in an upgrade to their technology to include “Dynacad.” “Dynacad” is a computer system that aids radiologists in the evaluation of potential breast tumors. This technological advance not only aids radiologists in the detection of breast lesions, but also may assist in determining if the lesions are benign or suspicious and which would warrant biopsy or further study.

Breast MRI may be recommended to patients in conjunction with yearly mammograms if the patient has a family history of breast cancer or if a member of their family has tested positive for the BRCA1 or 2 gene mutations. In both cases, these patients would be considered in a high-risk category and MRI and Ultrasound are both valuable adjuncts to mammography for improved detection of breast malignancy.

Breast MRI may also be considered by surgeons prior to lumpectomies. Inadequate margins are reported in up to 50% of lumpectomies requiring additional resection. Breast MRI can often locate additional or residual tumor foci.

If routinely used pre-operatively, MRI may decrease re-operation rate and can be very useful for surgical planning in challenging cases.

A breast MRI exam at CMIC takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. The patient lies in a supine position with both breasts placed into the breast MRI coil. The patient is then administered an injection of contrast material during the exam. This contrast material is then used in conjunction with the Dynacad program to evaluate the potential breast tumor.

The mammography program at

CMIC is accredited by the Maine Quality Standards Act and is reviewed annually. In addition, CMIC is also accredited by ACR for both their Ultrasound and MRI technologies.

ACR stands for the American College of Radiology and is a national organization based in Virginia.

ACR awards accreditation to diagnostic imaging facilities for the achievement of high-standards of practice after a peer-review evaluation of the practice. Evaluations are conducted by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the diagnostic imaging field. They assess the qualifications of

ACCREDITED PROMPT FLEXIBLE ACCESSIBLE SIMPLY THE BEST

Dynacad Scan

both the personnel and the adequacy of the facilities equipment.

Central Maine Imaging Center is a partnership between Central Maine Medical Center, X-Ray, P.A. and InSight Imaging. For more information about breast MRI at Central Maine Imaging Center, please see their Web site at www.centralmaineimagingcenter.com or contact the imaging center at (207) 795-2030.

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P R O F I L E 2009

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009

Fitness World: No more excuses

By Donna Rousseau Freelance Writer

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hen it comes to improving health and fitness, 2009 is the year of “No More Excuses.”

According to TC Matthews, Fitness World owner, his plans for the new year focus on opportunity, accessibility and options. The facility has just celebrated its first year anniversary as a 24-hour accessible gym. The first in the area to offer extended hours complete with staffing, Matthews says the undertaking has been well-received.

“It’s been great for people working shifts, whether it be at the hospital or in a manufacturing plant. The off-hours aren’t as busy and the environment is casual and quiet. It’s just another option for clients, another way to break through the time constraints that keep people from achieving their fitness goals.”

Whether choosing to exercise after the night shift at the hospital or after working an 8-5 job, people seeking physical fitness and well-being through Fitness World can expect a comprehensive spectrum of services including classes, massage therapy, personal and sports-specific training, as well as nutrition and weight loss consultation and guidance.

“Michelle Twitchell, owner of Results Fitness and Weight Loss, has maintained an office within the facility for seven years now and is a valuable extension of our continuum of fitness services available to our clients,” explains Matthews. He describes Twitchell as a highly-educated, nationally certified personal trainer with a wealth of knowledge in nutrition. “Her guidance has helped many of our members enhance their well-being through proper nutrition combined with exercise.

“Our membership ranges in age and ability, from the young to the young at heart,” says Matthews. “And the facility is designed with this in mind. Along with all the additional services available, the facility features five workout areas. Power-lifting area is separate from the cardio room and cardio center and the aerobics room offers more privacy for class instruction.” The facility also provides a supervised children’s play center, open six days a week, where little ones can have fun while parents get in a workout.

Matthews adds, “This year will see an expansion in equipment and classes, as well as new instructors to join our already established instructor team. Zumba class-

TC Matthews

People seeking physical fitness and well-being through Fitness World can expect a comprehensive spectrum of services including classes, massage therapy, personal and sports-specific training, as well as nutrition and weight loss consultation and guidance. es are new and Pilates is making a comeback.” In addition, the aerobics schedule will feature classes seven days a week and will include cycling, kickboxing, step aerobics, strength training, and body sculpting.

Martial arts is another branch of fitness offered under Fitness World’s roof. While classes are currently conducted in the aerobics area of the building, this year, the facility will dedicate a physical expansion of 7,000 square feet to a new Oxford Hills Martial Arts Center. In addition to martial arts instruction, the center will host nationally televised wrestling shows and power-lifting competition meets. Matthews has already scheduled events for the spring.

Even with the challenges of the economy, Matthews is excited for his clients’ fitness opportunities as he and his staff forge ahead in 2009. “This past December was our best in three years,” comments Matthews. “If December is any indication, 2009 is going to be a great year for fitness.”

P R O F I L E 2009

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009

Pediatric Associates: User friendly

By Donna Rousseau Freelance Writer

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magining beyond their original offices on the corner of East Avenue and Webster Street, Drs. George and Linda Glass took their “seed” ideas of a truly kid-friendly practice and planted them in the Fairgrounds Business Park in the fall of 2005.

Today, their practice has blossomed into a bouquet of color and whimsy that delivers comprehensive health care for children ages newborn through 21.

Walking into the lobby at 33 Mollison Way, it is easy to see that Pediatric Associates of Lewiston is set apart from the traditional physician’s office. Remarkable in space alone, colorful fabric works of art – butterflies, kites – hang loftily from the high ceiling beams. Murals of animals, cartoon and storybook characters adorn the walls; a large fish tank houses fish of different sizes and color. A sign points the way to the “Game Room.”

“This office is the brain child of Dr. George and Dr. Linda,” says Daniel Hett, Pediatric Associates administrator. “They envisioned a practice that was designed for kids, one that would set a positive tone for visiting the doctor.

They wanted the office to be as warm and inviting as it could be.”

In an effort to meet the approval of parents and patients of all ages, the waiting room is large with one side designed and decorated for children ages 0 to six years old. The other side is dedicated to children ages seven through 12.

Each side is colorfully appointed with seating and age appropriate toys, even video games for older children. Down the hall from the older children’s waiting room is a game/waiting room for teenagers, complete with air hockey and game tables. Also included in the game room wing are examination rooms decorated and designated exclusively for the office’s teenage patients.

“We have 12 illness exam rooms, 13 well-visit exam rooms and two teenage exam rooms. Each examination room is painted with a theme,” describes Hett. “The hand-painted murals depict familiar characters and scenes that kids can relate to readily. The teen rooms have more mature decorating themes and are removed from the younger patient examination areas.”

Notable is the separate waiting room for children coming into the office for an illness visit. A bright room with television and toys, the room is still aesthetically pleasing for a child but provides a smaller, quieter space for little ones “under the weather.”

For as much whimsy and color as went into the child-friendly design for patient areas, an equal amount of thought was given to the inner workings of the practice. The first order of business is maintaining relationships by having real people answer the phones and receive patients during business hours. The practice of 10 providers including physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners prides itself for the ability to see established patients within 24 hours of their first calls to the office for any illness related issues.

According to Hett, the practice is one in a small handful of offices that maintains patient records electronically. “By going paperless, anyone can access a chart without concern of missing papers. It helps our office save money; cut down on errors, and it’s safer, faster and more efficient. We have 20,000 charts in the computer.” Hett further explains that by having records stored electronically, physicians helping other physicians with a patient’s care can access a chart readily and bring themselves up to speed with what’s happening with that patient.

“We also utilize ‘E-prescribe,’ a cutting-edge technology that allows our physicians to e-prescribe scripts electronically to the pharmacy from the office. When a patient arrives at the pharmacy to pick up his or her prescription, it should be ready,” says Hett.

Even with all the technology designed to make processes more efficient and stream-lined, Hett confirms it is still the team work, the human relationships forged between co-workers as well as with patients and their families that define the success of the practice. He says the office affords 30 minutes for an appointment for a physical, time that is used not only for the exam, but for discussion and patient/parent education.

Hett adds the entire team, from administrative staff to providers, pull together in the interest of their patients and are careful not to become too caught up in the process.

“People come before process. That’s good business,” confirms Hett. “And that’s good medicine.”

www.pedihc.com 33 Mollison Way  Lewiston  784-5782

Majors Mobility: Keep moving

By R ich Livingston Freelance Writer

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small but increasingly crucial component of medical care is the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) industry, providers of all sorts of apparatus including canes and bath seats, walkers, manual wheelchairs, lift chairs, and even scooters and power chairs.

“We specialize in keeping people moving,” explained Ms. Tyrrell Hunter, president of Majors Mobility in Topsham and Scarborough. “We help people stay in their homes and out of hospitals and nursing homes. The most important consideration in our selection of equipment we provide our patients and clients is ‘does it help you move optimally?’ If so, we want people to have easy, uncomplicated access to what they need.”

Located in Topsham since 1995 – and in Scarborough for two and a half years – half of Majors Mobility business is from the Lewiston-Auburn area. Referrals come from physicians, occupational and physical therapists, hospitals; assisted living, nursing homes and group homes. And half of the equipment provided by Majors Mobility is selected directly by patients or caregivers.

With a wide variety of equipment available, one of Majors’ most important responsibilities is to match patients with the equipment that best meets their specific needs, that most helps “keep them moving.”

It’s a complicated process, made more difficult by a confusing maze of Medicare and Maine Care requirements.

Majors Mobility meets all Medicare conditions and provides the services of Assistive Technology Practitioners. “ATP certification is not required for all DME suppliers,” Hunter said, “but completing the arduous certification process ensures that we can provide expert counsel and advice, custom fitting, appropriate instructions for our clients, and better match patient needs with Medicare restrictions.”

Certification comes after successfully completing a four-hour examination, but the prerequisites for the exam include some combination of a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation science or work experience.

“We don’t just sell or rent equipment,” Hunter suggested. “We are full members of the total healthcare team. We provide specialized services, often during stressful or delicate family circumstances. We help other healthcare providers understand the variables of DME options, and we help pa-

tients and their families achieve optimum insurance coverage or reimbursement by carefully navigating through the complex regulations.”

For example, according to Hunter, many people don’t understand that by selecting inappropriate equipment too soon in a rehabilitative or chronic medical situation, a patient may be relinquishing opportunities to upgrade equipment at a later stage.

Matching needs with coverage, planning for changing physical requirements over time, planning for long-term or life cycle care is complex and challenging, and Majors Mobility specializes in helping people meet their present needs while also being prepared for what may lie ahead.

Majors Mobility staff will ensure that patients are thoroughly familiar with how to use and care for the equipment they have been provided, including an audit of the home to be sure that appropriate equipment is being used; safe and proper operation and maintenance, emergency preparedness; important Majors Mobility contact information including after-hours phone numbers.

Recently, Majors Mobility added a licensed respiratory therapist to its staff, so they are now able to offer a full range of oxygen therapy and equipment, as well.

“Combining oxygen services with our DME enables us to provide a complete, one-stop package to hospital discharge planners,” Hunter explained.

“We’re very excited to be able to offer the new ‘wearable’ oxygen concentrator,” Hunter said. The new system is a 4.4-pound device that works on AC power, a battery supply, or plugs into a car’s charger. “This portable concentrator replaces dangerous and unwieldy tanks, and is yet another way we can help keep people moving.”

The L-A area is served by the Topsham headquarters, conveniently located in the Topsham Fair Mall. Majors Mobility can be reached at 1-800-570-3393.

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P R O F I L E 2009

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009

Curves: Microchip tags record motion

By Linda Galway Freelance Writer

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he workout machines at Curves in Lewiston and South Paris just got smarter.

“At Curves, we’re always investing in new technology,” explained Lewiston manager Karen Duhamel. “Since last April, we set up each member with a microchip tag that records their intensity and range of motion. Our computer system then sets targets and goals for each member based on their specific fitness level.”

Clients are first put through a motion and energy test, and their targets are adjusted based on the results. With that information in the system, each member inserts the “smart tag” into a reader attached to the equipment as they circulate among the 24 workout stations. “If someone has missed workouts, for example, the program puts them back to a slower or lower rate,” she continued.

As an asthma sufferer, Duhamel said, when bothered by her asthma the computer program “lowers my targets, recognizing I’m not working up to my potential. It’s like having a personal trainer without the person.”

At the end of the workout, clients can view their workout showing the muscle groups worked, calories burned and more.

“It gives you a daily visual of your workout and lets you know how you’re doing,” she said. One woman said the smart program motivates her and tells her if she’s in her target range. “It personalizes the workout,” she said, Owner Ron Morrill noted the Lewiston Curves — the first in Maine — celebrated its 10th anniversary at the Marketplace on Main Street in March. “We had a friend who owned a Curves in the Midwest,” he said.

“My wife and I thought it would be a good feature for Lewiston. We saw it as an opportunity for us and for the community.”

Curves differs from traditional gyms in that its workout program is specially designed for women. “That makes it less intimidating,” he added.

“The workout is based on a push-pull rather than lifting and letting gravity do the rest,” Morrill continued. The program focuses on opposing muscles and targets all the major muscle groups. “You won’t get hurt on this, that’s the beautiful part.”

“Plus you’re doing cardio at the same time,” Duhamel noted.

At Curves, there is no set class or time to work out, which generally takes about

30 minutes and includes a warm-up, the workout, a cool down and stretching. “It’s equivalent to about an hour and a half in a regular gym,” Duhamel said.

“Women can come in any day we’re open, but we recommend coming at least three times a week,” Duhamel said. There are 24 stations — 12 machines and 12 “recovery” stations. The recovery stations are where patrons continue to move in any way that keeps their heart rate at the level they require for a sustained cardio workout.

There is very little waiting time to get into the rotation, she explained, because every station is only 30 seconds long. Patrons rotate through the stations twice.

“I recall when we first opened, a lady saw our ad in the paper,” Morrill related. “She had been a widow for two years and hadn’t left her apartment, but she finally got the courage to come in. Meeting some other retirees convinced her it would be a good place to work out. Now she continues to get together with the friends she made.”

New this year is a free, weight-management class open to members and non-members and held on the fourth Saturday of each month. Women can sign up ahead of time or just walk in, Duhamel said.

This three-part, DVD-based class, taught

by Curves Senior Dietitian Nadia Rodman, includes a basic, weight-management program, a special topic each month and a metabolic recovery period as part of the ongoing process.

For more information about any Curves programs in Lewiston, call 777-3660 or e-mail curves1@megalink.net. In South Paris, call 743-2224 or e-mail curves2@megalink.net.

P R O F I L E 2009

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009

207 North River Road Auburn, Maine 04210 430 Bath Road Brunswick, Maine 04011 1 Westbrook Common Westbrook, Maine 04092

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o Our Extended Family … physicians, physical therapists and individuals in need of orthotic and prosthetic services and products. Advance Orthotic & Prosthetic offers the personal and professional help to both referral sources and patients that cannot be found in retail stores or online products. AOPS repeatedly serves hundreds of referral sources throughout Central and Southern Maine.

It’s our full-service team approach that makes the difference.

You Prescribe It

Total Service – Total Care  Facility accreditation with the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics. Members in good standing with American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association, American Academy of Orthotist & Prosthetists, Amputee Coalition of America, Better Business Bureau, Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce, and Auburn Business Association.  You can be confident in our ABC certified practitioners with a combined experience of nearly 60 years.  Your needs will be met every time by our qualified practitioners who offer personalized services to assist each patient with their unique conditions.  Our comprehensive serves are all-inclusive. We do not charge office visit fees.  No lengthy delays. We have an on-site fabrication department staffed with highly skilled technicians.

 We Design It – based on physician and patient information and practitioner’s evaluation.

World Class Athletes Require Comfort and Stability for World Class Performance

Practitioners, left to right: David Johnson, CO; Sandra Marino, CO, C.Ped.; and Randy Shaw, R.T., R., OTC.

 We Build It – on-site fabrication.

Sun Journal file photo

Alex “Bump” Heldman of Auburn, NCAA Division 1 Skier Technicians, left to right: Nate Nichols, Nate Fish, John Roeger, and Jess Cook

 We Bill It – Our dedicated specialists assure

billing procedures resulting in maximum insurance reimbursement for our patients. We are providers for Medicare, MaineCare and other managed care companies.

“Advance Orthotics has enabled me to reach a higher level of performance with the help of your ski boot orthotics,” said Heldman.

“The comfort and stability of the orthotics has enhanced my performance to a higher level, much greater than the competition.”

Together, We Make It Happen David A. Johnson, C.O., established Advance Orthotic Services in 1994. We provide a wide range of Orthotic and Prosthetic services and we treat a wide variety of patients, each of whom receives personalized care and attention from one of our skilled specialists and office staff. From pediatrics to geriatrics, from your head to your toe, we can help to alleviate pain and make life a little better.

Office staff: Anita Maurice, Brenda Hinkley, Karen Rodrigue, Angel Labonte, Elaine Rowe, and Cheryl Perry

Since 1994, we have proven that your trust is well-placed at Advance Orthotic & Prosthetic

While AOPS facilities are open from Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., emergency coverage is provided on a 24-7 basis. The office phone numbers are 207-786-7022 in Auburn, Toll-free 1-877-877-7022 and 207-443-5996 in Brunswick.

The company’s Web site is:

www.advanceoandp.com

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Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009

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Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009

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Results Fitness and WeightLoss Center You can’t get anymore personal than this!

BIGGEST LOSER DEVICE COMES TO L/A at Results Fitness and WeightLoss Center

By Deborah Conway Freelance Writer

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he WMS combines the powerful technology of the SenseWear® armband and display with the individualized nutrition counseling services offered by Results Fitness and WeightLoss.

Wearing the SenseWear® armband will revolutionize the way you look at your metabolism, view your eating and exercise habits and monitor your sleep.

Learn to modify your eating and exercising behaviors once you get a realistic analysis of your daily caloric burn and physical activity, including steps taken and sleep time. Wear the armband for one week then meet with Michelle Twitchell, president of Results Fitness and WeightLoss Center, to download your information and receive a true metabolic assessment. Michelle will teach you how to monitor your information and can prepare an exercise and nutrition plan based upon your results.

Finding out your true metabolism is very simple. You will be asked to wear the SenseWear® armband for a period of time, anywhere from seven to 30 days. The longer the program, the more complete understanding of your physical lifestyle. As part of the program you will be asked to wear the SenseWear® armband approximately 23 hours a day.

At the conclusion of the program, you will return the armband back to Michelle who will upload the data and consult with you concerning the findings. This, paired with individualized nutrition and exercise counseling by Michelle, will provide you with the most comprehensive and personalized weight management program available.

Michelle, who developed the “Results” program, holds a Bachelor Degree in Exercise & Sports Science, with a concentration in Nutrition, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her impressive resume includes 11 years of experience as a Certified Personal Trainer, Aerobics Instructor and working with clients at Duke University’s Center for Living. Michelle has been in business for seven years in the Lewiston-Auburn area and has helped many local people reach their health and fitness goals.

All too often we find ourselves in situations where we could really use the support and guidance of someone who’s “been there and done that.” Whether we’re learning to drive or trying to take control of our health, this guidance and support can mean the difference between succeeding and failing.

As a busy mother of two little boys, Michelle understands the challenges facing people in these hectic times. As a trained fitness professional, and as someone who has employed the very program you’ll be using, Michelle understands, cares about, and wants to help you achieve your physical fitness goals.

“After the birth of my second child, I

found myself 60 pounds heavier than I wanted to be. I made the decision and the commitment to myself to lose the baby weight and get into the best shape of my life.

I am living proof that it can be done with the proper nutrition, exercise program and commitment,” said Michelle.

Michelle’s philosophy is that in order to succeed, a program must be tailored to fit the individual. Your personalized steps toward looking and feeling better begin with a one-on-one meeting with Michelle at Results, which is conveniently located at 746 Main Street, Lewiston, inside Fitness World. If you prefer, Michelle will work with you in your home, office or a more private location at Colonial Ridge Fitness Center. Your program, designed by Michelle with your lifestyle and goals in mind, will provide you with both dietary and exercise guidelines, as well as continued weekly support sessions, and will help you to experience weight loss and increased energy levels.

“Fad diets do not work.

There is no such thing as one size fits all when it comes to exercise and nutrition,” Michelle explained.

Armed with the new SenseWear® technology, there is no guesswork in creating an exercise or nutrition program. After collecting the data, a program is designed for each individual to maximize time with an appropriate exercise and nutrition plan. Upon leaving Michelle, you will be on your way to better health with lots of encouragement, motivation, high expectations and a belief that your goals are attainable. Michelle’s enthusiasm and commitment are contagious!

With Michelle’s guidance and support, you will learn the skills that you need to achieve your physical fitness goals, as well as the skills that you will need in order to continue to maintain your healthy lifestyle independently. With the “Results” program, you will be able to purchase the food that you need at your local supermarkets, and you will learn how to eat at restaurants without undermining your success.

In addition, Michelle’s office at Fitness World is well stocked with supplemental foods to make eating well both simple and convenient. Her inspirational and userfriendly Web site, www.resultsfitnessandw eightloss.com, is also an excellent resource to keep your motivation high between sessions and will allow you to make adjustments to your menu and print shopping lists. It also offers links to helpful articles and information.

In addition to the “RESULTS” nutrition program, Michelle offers one-on-one personal training and group training at a fitness center of your choice or at your home.

Michelle is available to come to your business to help motivate and educate employees on health and wellness.

To learn more about how Michelle and how Results Fitness and WeightLoss can help you change your life, call Michelle at 713-4610 or visit her Web site at www.resultsfitnessandweightloss.com.

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Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009

Proactive Physical Therapy:

Success through education, empowerment

By K athryn Roberts Freelance Writer

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hen Proactive Physical Therapy opened in December 2007, the company’s owner and primary physical therapist, Mike Lachance, hoped to provide a resource in which decisions about treatment would be made on a local basis at the store level, instead of being driven by larger corporations. More than a year later, Proactive has proven the effectiveness of this community-based model and has even expanded their orthopedic and sports medicine services with the addition of a second physical therapist. What really has driven, and continues to drive, the business forward is its family-type environment and dedication to patients.

“I was born and raised in Lewiston,” said Lachance. “So it has been wonderful to be able to provide a quality health care service in this area. The sense of community is great.”

Lachance combines nine years of physical therapy experience with his background in community health education to build relationships with his clients that complement their treatment.

“We try to take it to that next level and make it an educational experience,” he explained. “We need to really teach people what we are doing and why because it leads to compliance.” This compliance and understanding of diagnoses is what makes the therapy successful over a longer period of time.

Proactive Physical Therapy stands out not only for its devotion to empowering people through education to take better care of themselves and overcome their injuries, but also for its one-on-one treatment.

“You’re going to see the same therapist every time,” said Lachance. “We also communicate strongly with the referring

physicians.” Proactive even offers some patients an extended rehab program which allows clients to continue their exercises at the facility after the physical therapy is done.

With the addition of a second therapist, Heidi Dening, Proactive separates itself even further from the crowd. Dening is trained in kinesio taping, a specialized taping technique which provides support to muscles without hindering mobility; specialized joint mobilization techniques; and lymphedema management, a comprehensive treatment to help with chronic swelling.

The company also offers orthopedic and sports medicine physical therapy for all ages. In addition, Proactive therapists specialize in the treatment of spinal disorders and muscle imbalances, among other areas. “We hope to keep growing and expanding while providing high quality service,” Lachance said of the company’s future plans.

Proactive Physical Therapy is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. “Scheduling is flexible,” said Lachance, just one more reason why he is proud to have a locally-based business.

“Being the owner you can make those decisions.”

Additionally, new patients can expect to get in for a first appointment within 24 to 48 hours. Located at 1190 Lisbon Street in Lewiston, Proactive has plenty of easy and accessible parking for its clients.

“People appreciate the fact that we give them the time they deserve and listen to their situation,” emphasized Lachance.

“Physical therapy is phase one. Continuing to practice what is learned upon discharge from physical therapy is phase two.”

When a patient chooses Proactive Physical Therapy, he or she chooses the education and resources needed to succeed in both phases.

Mike Lachance and Proactive Physical Therapy: Proud to be L-A’s link in the healthcare team that both mitigates existing conditions while preventing future issues.

Hours: 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday

www.proactiveptmaine.com

1190 Lisbon St. • Lewiston • 207-376-3000 Genesis Healthcare Marshwood Center:

After healing, there’s recovery

By R ich Livingston Freelance Writer

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he rehabilitation services provided by the Genesis Healthcare Marshwood Center are designed to provide the vital bridge between hospitalization and returning home, to help patients resume active, productive lifestyles.

At any given time, about 1/3 of the patients at Marshwood Center are short term stay patients who are undergoing a variety of therapies intended to restore functions that may have been impaired by orthopedic or cardiac surgery, stroke or brain injuries, or other significant medical issues. Residents on the assisted living and long term care unit may use rehab to maximize their quality of life and maintain their independence.

“We are seeing patients much sooner after surgery than ever before,” said Angela Moore, program director of Rehab Services at Marshwood, “and they’re staying longer, too. But less time in the hospital and more time in rehab often means that patients are better prepared to return home sooner than they might have been, too.”

The Short Stay Services at Marshwood are custom-designed for each individual patient and are focused on making recovery as comfortable and speedy as possible.

Many patients spend about three weeks living at Marshwood.

With 24-hour skilled nursing care and a wide range of physical, occupational and speech therapies, rehabilitation is carefully coordinated with discharge planning and case management. The goal is to expedite recuperation in a pleasant family-friendly environment.

“Patients can often decide for themselves where they’ll be most comfortable undergoing rehab,” says Admissions Director Donna Barnies. “so we have to make sure we can meet all their needs, make their stay with us as pleasant and productive as possible. We want them to feel at home, here, so that they can get back to their own homes more quickly.”

Perhaps the most unique element of specialty short stay care at Marshwood is the Easy Street Environments (SM) which provides those recovering from surgery, injuries, illnesses or other conditions which may have impaired their mobility of dexter-

ity the opportunity to practice real-world skills in a safe, secure place, supported by a full staff of dedicated, compassionate professionals.

Easy Street is a life-sized replica of a city street, complete with all sorts of conditions, tasks and possible impediments that patients might encounter in real life, including a grocery store, a car, street crossings, a front porch and small home, a functioning kitchen, laundry, even an ATM. How do you manage a grocery cart while using a walker or cane for the first time?

How about getting into or out of an automobile after having had joint replacement surgery?

Easy Street Park

Marshwood’s Rehab Team

For more information, contact Donna Barnies (Donnas.Barnies@Genesishcc.com) or call 784-0108.

Marshwood is located in a quiet, wooded setting on Roger Street, just off Sabattus Street in Lewiston.

Easy Street even provides an assortment of common obstacles such as curbs and steps, doorways or ramps. Different skills or sensitivities might be required to walk on brick, wood, grass or tile surfaces, and Easy Street lets patients practice on all of those.

There is an adjacent gym with a range of exercise equipment, as well.

The use of Easy Street and all of the rehab therapies at Marshwood is custom-designed in consultation with patients’ own medical team along with Marshwood’s attending physicians and skilled nursing staff. The Center also offers consultation with social workers, nutritional planning, and a variety of cultural, educational, religious and social activities and events.

Marshwood is all about thorough, effective recovery, and returning patients to their own homes ready to get back to their lives.

P R O F I L E 2009

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009

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New England Brace Company: Comfort + Function

By Deborah Conway Freelance Writer

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ew England Brace Company has been in existence since 1946, with a presence in Lewiston since 1978. Although his base is at NEBCO’s 217 Main Street office, Gary Yackley, an Orthotist-Prosthetist, travels extensively to surrounding towns where he designs and fits both prosthetic and orthotic devices for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, physician and physical therapy offices, and even in patients’ homes.

Yackley, who has nearly 30 years of experience, became fascinated with the art of making replacement limbs when a friend lost his hand as the result of an accident. Yackley interned in Dayton, Ohio with Heintz Murka, an elderly gentleman from Germany and a

State of the art prostheses.

Master in the art of prosthetics and orthotics, where he learned to fabricate prostheses and orthoses from wood, leather and metal. Yackley did his undergraduate work at Sinclair College in Dayton and obtained an advanced degree at the Minnesota School of Orthopedic Surgery, graduating in 1986. He has been with NEBCO since 1992.

In the days of the civil war, prostheses for wounded soldiers were made primarily by blacksmiths. As you can imagine, these devices were not terribly comfortable. Although limbs constructed 30 years ago from wood, leather and metal were an improvement, each device could weigh as much as 20 pounds. In addition, the materials would break down quickly, and could not provide the wearer with anything close to a natural gait.

Fast-forward to 2009, and you find incredible changes, both in terms of comfort and function. Yackley begins the process of creating a new custom prosthesis or orthosis by speaking with the patient. He evaluates each individually, learning where they are in life, and where they want to go.

He takes into account each patient’s lifestyle, including both work and leisure. He considers their preferred activities with an eye toward what environmental factors will affect both the device and the individual’s ability to work and play with the device.

From this he is able to create a “recipe” for the prosthetic or orthotic device and, according to Yackley, there are literally “thousands of components” that can be used to create something that will meet their expectations regarding fit and function.

Using fabrics, devices can even be customized to reflect their personal interests and sense of style.

Yackley noted, “The comfort factor has improved with the advent of new materials and concepts; the most innovative material for patient comfort is gel.” Using a fabric that is lined with a silicone gel, a sleeve is created that is rolled over the patient’s limb at the site of the amputation.

Yackley in his shop.

This sleeve transfers all of the friction, which could potentially break down the fragile skin, to the outside of the sleeve, underneath a custom fitted carbon fiber socket.

The carbon fiber socket provides the stability and attaches to the replacement prosthetic foot, which is constructed of lightweight plastic components.

Advancements in the components used in the replacement limb allow the individual to walk, usually with a completely normal gait pattern. Using the gel sleeve, carbon fiber socket and other lightweight components, these prostheses are not only more comfortable, they are more durable, functional and, at about four pounds, very lightweight.

Similarly, with respect to orthotics, an exciting new advancement is a device that enables individuals with neurological disorders, such as foot drop, to walk more naturally. The Bioness L-300 uses electrical stimulation and a unit that is strapped around the individual’s leg with a remote sensor attached to the heel, the device senses when the heel comes off of the floor and sends a signal to pads that are strategically placed on the individual’s shin and which stimulate the muscles of the leg to lift the front of the foot. Even newer advancements are allowing some of these sensors and stimulators to be attached subcutaneously.

Yackley, who also sits on the board of directors for New England Brace Company, is proud of NEBCO’s “patients first” philosophy, and has been rewarded with 94% in patient satisfaction garnered from NEBCO patient survey questionnaires. His passion for prosthetics and orthotics is evident, and he regards it as a “personal achievement” every time a patient walks out NEBCO’s door smiling.

The most important ingredient in Yackley’s “recipe” is the patient, and the walls of his Lewiston office are graced with photos of happy people, and even a few dogs, whose mobility and independence have been enhanced

by NEBCO. For more information as to how Yackley and NEBCO can make a difference in your life by helping with your prosthetic or orthotic needs, speak with your doctor, and call New England Brace Company at 786-0101.

The most important ingredient in Yackley’s “recipe” is the patient ...

Bioness Electrical Stimulation

Yackley flanked by (left) Mike Surette and Wheaton Holden wearing Electric Prosthesis.

217 Main Street  Lewiston  786-0101 www.nebrace.com

The Medicine Shoppe: Taking pride in pharmaceutical care

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hen you walk into The Med- better serve her customers she must be proacicine Shoppe Pharmacy a tive in staying current with the latest anti-aging drug therapies management. Consequentcouple of impressions welly, she is active in attending national training come you right away – this is a compact seminars given by acclaimed experts. “We also retail pharmacy where you are greeted by challenge our staff with ongoing training to some of the friendliest people in the Lew- provide more knowledgeable and concerned employees when assisting patients.” iston area, most often by your name, and The Medicine Shoppe is locally owned and not only are they friendly, but they are operated and is staffed with knowledgeable very knowledgeable about the business people who our customers have come to know and respect. “Our pharmacy is really a people of guiding you to a much healthier state oriented business,” Hoang explains, “and there of living. is nothing more personal than the family’s The Medicine Shoppe is dedicated 100% to health. We provide counseling, care and un- Lou Gagne, R.Ph.; Lana Hoang, owner and healthcare, there are no distractions from that derstanding to our extended family of clients.

R.Ph.; and Owen Theriault, Pharm. D. mission. Registered Pharmacist and proprietor It is our goal to insure that all of our patients Lana Hoang says, “We want everyone in the receive individualized care and personalized Lewiston-Auburn area to live full, high-quality attention that for which we are recognized.” art of custom formulation of medications for lives. It is our responsibility to consider our The Medicine Shoppe has been rated as the humans and their pets to address individual clients’ health and welfare in the course of our number one provider of fast prescription ser- needs. service to them. To that end, we also provide vice and accurate prescriptions fills along with The compounding process can be recomexpert counseling. All staff and pharmacists useful information by two national indepen- mended for a number of reasons; sensitivare constantly upgrading skills through con- dent consumer groups for 2008. ity to ingredients, taste, strength of medication tinuing education and free delivery to home, The Medicine Shoppe has two full time phar- needs, and how the medication is administered. office or health facility.” macists in addition to Hoang: Lou Gagne, R.Ph.; Simply put, this means if you have a reaction to Hoang is a second generation pharmacist a PCCA Certified pharmacist with over 32 base ingredients of your medications we can with over 10 years experience with a large years as a compounding pharmacist and long compound the prescription with a substitute. retail chain of drug stores prior to taking over term employee. Our newest pharmacist, Owen Your child’s medication can be flavored, ownership of The Medicine Shoppe from long- Theriault, Pharm.D.; who joined us this sum- grape for example, which means the child will time owner Moe Paradis, R.Ph. Hoang’s moth- mer after completing his education and clinical more willingly take their medications. A paer and brother are pharmacists and her father rounds and has provided a new generation of tient who is going through adolescence needs is a retired medical doctor.

Medicine Shoppe pharmacist. medications made in a strength specific to adWhen Hoang says “nous parlons francais” “This increase in pharmacists in our shop dress those physical changes for that patient. you can be confident she means it, having has continued to decrease the time our cus- A standard medication that comes in pill form grown up in Montreal where she learned tomers spend waiting for their medications, can be compounded in a liquid to ease adminisFrench before she learned English. “We have and that is why we are constantly recognized tration of your family members’ medications. several members of our team who also commu- professionally for the accuracy and complete- The Medicine Shoppe also makes compounds nicate with our customers with bilingual skills ness of our services and that are just right for the family pets, and this in French and English. We we are often the most is a portion of the business that we have seen try to make it just that much reasonably priced phar- grow rapidly. easier for our patients to macy in the LewistonSue Veilleux, R.N., is a familiar face in the excommunicate with us about Auburn area. We will tensively stocked, durable medical equipment their health concerns. This always meet or beat any department. She and additional staff members allows our patients to fully competitor’s pricing.” are dedicated to finding the appropriate mediunderstand both their preWhen speaking with cal supplies. scription needs and to betthe staff of The Medicine We carry ostomy supplies, diabetic supplies ter understand their role Shoppe, a sense of real and shoes, bathroom aids, orthotics, lymphin their own recovery and pride is evident. One edema and wound care supplies and more. treatment.” of the more unique ser- Patients are encouraged to come in for counAs an active member of vices we provide is that seling regarding their treatments and needed The American Academy of prescription medica- supplies. This service allows new patients to of Anti-Aging, Hoang tion compounding. become comfortable with us and the treatments believes that in order to Rebecca Mack, Nathalie Rand, Melissa Ivy, Compounding is the Marieann Bouchard, (front) Sue Adell

Joan Caron, Richard Gregoire

Sue Mercier, Allison Turcotte, Sue Veilleux

Ann Loudermilk, manager

and to encourage our longer term patients to continually upgrade their treatments and medication needs as required.

“We are very proud of our association with the Bennett Breast Care Center,” says Hoang.

“We are the exclusive provider of prosthetics and we provide the expertise of Joan Caron, a certified mastectomy fitter, for the Breast Care Center, to take precise measurements and the fitting for their custom-made prosthetic devices. Joan has also been with The Medicine Shoppe for 27 years and we are honored to have her on our team.”

The Medicine Shoppe is a provider of medications and equipment to a number of local nursing and residence facilities as well as the two local hospitals. “We are providers for these facilities and we package the medications in easy to use dispensers. We deliver equipment and medicine to them on a daily basis. We communicate with the health providers at these facilities to help in the proper treatment of our long time patients,” states Hoang.

“We are also deeply involved in the administration of various clinics for our community.

The Medicine Shoppe regularly schedules flu shot clinics, and blood pressure screenings.

In 2007, we became a provider of Zostavax clinics.” Zostavax is a vaccine that aids in the prevention of shingles, a condition that is quite painful. “At The Medicine Shoppe, we also compound a cream that can markedly reduce the pain associated with shingles.

“With fast and friendly service, dedicated healthcare professionals, extensive on-hand medical equipment and specialized medications, we are your number one source. It is the mission of The Medicine Shoppe to provide the best treatment of our patients, and community outreach.” Hoang encourages all patients to call or visit with any concerns they may have.

“We want the patient to feel like part of our extended family, one you can turn to for professional advice and services.”

The Medicine Shoppe is open from 9 a.m.until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, and is located at 373 Sabattus Street, Lewiston, right next to St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center at the intersection of Sabattus Street and Campus Avenue. Visit online at www.medicineshoppe.com/0550.

“At The Medicine Shoppe, we believe that we provide caring beyond prescriptions.”

373 Sabattus Street  Lewiston, Maine

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Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009

Casco Bay Gastroenterology

By Elizabeth Webster Freelance Writer

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things, the more smoothly a procedure will go.

CBG’s patient satisfaction surveys show that this extra time with patients pays dividends.

Patients rave about the excellent staff and wonderful care that they received. “Excellent in every way – staff was extremely courteous and sensitive to my needs making a dreaded procedure pleasant,” wrote one patient.

Both doctors say that they would definitely send their own family members to CBG for treatment. “We try to treat each patient with the utmost of compassion and caring, using the best equipment and techniques available,” stated Dr. Sullivan. “We make every attempt to see our patients quickly and go the extra mile to provide to them what they need, when they need it, and not make them wait weeks or months,” added Dr. Golden.

he experienced doctors at Casco Bay Gastroenterology in South Portland have long proven that they’ve been on the right track in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the digestive tract and liver.

Patients turn to Dr. Harold Sullivan and Dr. Nicholas Golden if they have difficulty with swallowing or digestion, bleeding from the intestinal tract, abdominal pain, or bowel trouble including diarrhea or constipation.

Both doctors, board certified in gastroenterology for nearly two decades, are also known for providing pain-free colon cancer screenings and colonoscopies.

Conveniently located at 25 Long Creek Drive, off Western Avenue, Casco Bay Gastroenterology was the first practice in Maine to offer both wireless capsule endoscopy and non-acid reflux testing.

With capsule endoscopy, a patient swallows a capsule containing a tiny camera, and as the capsule passes painlessly Carol Ryder-Foley, FNP-C; Jan Bryer, RN, C; Pamela R. through the body, the camera Fox, FNP-C; Harold H. Sullivan Jr., MD, MPH; Tabitha takes 140,000 images, providing C. Swanson, Practice Manager; Nicholas Golden, MD; physicians with a video of the Jaime Hare, FNP-C; and Michelle True, FNP-C small intestine. Capsule endoscopy is used to help identify tuOffice and Ambulatory Surgical Center at mors and Crohn’s disease. CBG 25 Long Creek Drive, South Portland has been performing esophageal function and pH probe testing for several years with state-ofthe-art equipment from Sandhill and the “Sleuth” probe for non-acid reflux testing. Esophageal function testing evaluates muscular contractions of the esophagus in patients with swallowing disorders and in patients with Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease.

CBG is committed to excellence with its own endoscopy Currently, only 50 percent of the people who center, which was carefully inspected by the should have a colonoscopy have had one. Docnational peer review organization, AAAHC, tors say that most people should have a coloand in the summer of 2005, achieved the highnoscopy at age 50, unless there’s a family hisest award – a three-year accreditation. In the tory of colon disease, and then the physician summer of 2008, after another inspection, CBG may recommend a much earlier screening. In received another three-year certification. Dr. addition, doctors point out that Hepatitis C is Sullivan and Dr. Golden also perform some on the rise. CBG evaluates and treats Hep C, procedures at area hospitals. and does liver biopsies in its endoscopy center.

The doctors and staff at CBG recognize the Moreover, CBG, which accepts all types of importance of a good bedside manner. They insurance, has one leg up on its competition know that patients are worried about their by offering appointments within two weeks procedures and understand that the more to new patients and providing endoscopies on time that they spend with them, explaining Saturdays.

Advanced Spine Care and IDD Therapy:

Providing new treatment options

By Dave Sargent Freelance Writer

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here’s new state-of-the-art equipment available now for treatment of back pain at Advanced Spine Care in Lewiston.

Dr. Luc J. Dionne said it’s the recently installed IDD Therapy system.

IDD stands for Intervertebral Differential Dynamics, which can only be applied through a highly advanced computer-directed technology that allows a specific spinal segment to be targeted. It utilizes a computerized means of differentiating between spinal segments and applying a dynamic therapy to mobilize a spinal structure.

The IDD system is offered at the Advanced Spine Care division of Maine Chiropractic Health Clinic at 120 Russell Street, Lewiston.

Advanced Spine Care has been a division of Maine Chiropractic since June 2006, Dr. Dionne said, adding that IDD fills a gap in treatment that’s needed for people who have disk problems. He said its objectives are to provide the latest treatment options in line with his team’s conservative approach to alleviation of back pain.

“We are also looking at combining this with deep tissue laser,” Dr. Dionne said. It incorporates a Class 4 medical laser, which is new to this area, and the end of March was the target for that treatment option.

“It’s very close to a surgical laser,” Dr. Dionne explained.

Among conditions treated at Advanced Spine Care are herniated disks, bulging disks, and degenerative disk disease.

Dr. Dionne explained that the IDD treatment is most appropriate for patients who are not surgical candidates. It is a decompression treatment of the lower back and is delivered by certified clinicians.

IDD Therapy is non-surgical, non-invasive, and typically does not involve pain medications. The treatment is not only safe and painless, but also comfortable with the patient resting on a heated reclining table and listening to music during the typical half-hour session.

Patient data is entered at the computer interface. Every aspect of treatment is monitored and displayed to the clinician, assuring total comfort and maximum efficacy.

Dr. Luc J. Dionne, owner of Maine Chiropractic Health Clinic and the Advanced Spine Care division, uses his computer to view an MRI. Active tracking of the applied forces, the ability to individualize treatment according to patient needs, and the ability to quantify patient response to the treatment regimen pre- and post-therapy sessions further improves therapeutic results.

Fully computer-directed, the treatment regimen can be duplicated for a full rehabilitative course.

The IDD Therapy treatment can reduce pressure on the vertebral joints, promote retraction of herniated discs, promote self healing and rehabilitation of damaged discs, thereby relieving low back pain.

For many patients, non-strenuous work can continue during therapy. Employers benefit from less work loss. It is a gentle, comfortable therapy that painlessly works to restore normal spine function. It’s also a good way to undergo a course of treatment that requires little interruption of daily activities.

IDD Therapy offers a greater than 86 percent success rate in treating and effectively eliminating severe back and neck pain conditions.

IDD Therapy is also cost-effective. The cost of treatment is minimal compared to the cost of surgery. In many cases, financing is available.

Maine Chiropractic and Advanced Spine Care also provide the ability to do nerve conduction study using a biosensor, Dr. Dionne said. The conditions involved with this kind of study include sciatica and nerve pain.

Depending on the data obtained, a patient’s treatment options would be evaluated, and that might include referral to a neurologist for further treatment.

Dr. Dionne and his team at Maine Chiropractic see patients for a variety of reasons. They can include back pain and leg pain, neck and arm pain, headaches, shoulder pain, work-related injuries or personal injuries, automobile injuries such as whiplash, non-surgical treatments and certain sports-related injuries.

Many people have been told that they will just have to learn to live with their pain or condition, only to find that chiropractic care holds the answers for them. Dr. Dionne said his office welcomes difficult as well as routine cases.

Sensors are placed on a patient’s foot to provide important information about nerve status.

The Maine Chiropractic and Advanced Spine Care facility is located at the corner of Russell Street and Central Avenue. The building was constructed in 1999 and was a residence for several years. It has been renovated to offer patients easy access to a modern and spacious area.

Use of sensors attached to a computer are demonstrated by chiropractic assistant and IDD Therapist Rebecca Lane, left, and Gail Martel, right, medical assistant and chiropractic assistant.

The computerized IDD equipment makes use of a table which pivots from standing to reclining so patients do not have to climb onto it.

For more information about chiropractic care and IDD treatment, visit the Web site at www.advancedspinecare.info.

To request a packet of information and a DVD, call the Advanced Spine Care division of Maine Chiropractic Health Clinic at 7533001.

www.advancedspinecare.info 120 Russell Street  Lewiston  753-3001

Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009

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Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Saturday, April 11, 2009